How To Fix SH016 - The column of the field selected cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SH - SAPhelp messages

• Message number: 016

• Message text: The column of the field selected cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You tried to hide the F4 Help key field in the
user-defined column selection (the column highlighted in color).
This column must not be hidden, otherwise a selected value cannot be
returned.

System Response

The action is rejected

How to fix this error?

Please only hide non-key columns (not highlighted).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SH016 - The column of the field selected cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message SH016, which states "The column of the field selected cannot be deleted," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a column in a report or a data structure that is not allowed. This can happen in various contexts, such as in SAP Query, SAP Report Painter, or other reporting tools within SAP.
  Causes:
  
  Field Usage: The field you are trying to delete may be used in other parts of the report or data structure, making it necessary to retain it.
  Technical Restrictions: Some fields are defined as mandatory or are part of a key structure, which prevents their deletion.
  Data Integrity: Deleting certain fields may compromise the integrity of the data model or report, leading to restrictions on deletion.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to modify the report or data structure.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Field Usage: Review the report or data structure to see if the field is being used elsewhere. If it is, you may need to remove those dependencies first.
  Review Field Properties: Check if the field is marked as mandatory or part of a key. If so, you may need to consider alternative approaches, such as hiding the field instead of deleting it.
  Permissions: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to the report or data structure. If not, contact your SAP administrator for assistance.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on modifying reports or data structures in your version of SAP.
  Alternative Approaches: If deletion is not possible, consider whether you can achieve your goal by hiding the column or modifying its properties instead.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  Training and Documentation: Familiarize yourself with SAP reporting tools and their limitations through training materials or official SAP documentation.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.